kerio works good (new version) I used it for a bit and had packet rules etcetera and it wasn't a huge "resource hog"
I found it could be configured to show/alert/ask 'bout anything you wanted to.
More in depth customizable rules with kerio-+?

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I've just switched from my favourite (Sygate) over to Kerio 4.20 and so far I'm very impressed, I tried Outpost for almost a week, you'll find my Sygate/Outpost postings on their forums, not impressed with the problems Outpost gave me, done a LOT of reading on many forums, tried many latest versions of all firewalls and quite happy that Kerio offers the same simplicity as Sygate with a nicer interface in my opinion.

kerio for me doesn't ask if u want to allow or block a program etc like zonealarm does or others?

i will show u screen shot of kerio how i have it.

pls tell me if i have it right and wat other setting i can put thnx.

Click to expand...

I had enabled the application behaviour blocking ticked and set up that stuff inside it but don't go there unless you want to "play".
You'll soon see a lot of stuff going on in ms stuff, installed apps etcetra I think.
But whether one wants to is an individual matter,.. though I enjoyed playing about in there to see what about to/went on.
It was fascinating what this 'wall could do.
IF you wanted to really tighten the OS "box" up.

Though I don't know the testing parameters and criteria etcetera
According to what you posted(your link) on that firewall test its Look n' Stop Gold Rated(sites criteria) hands down?
And it looks like as I have had to wonder for a while why I don't keep soft 'walls on board ... after I play with them.
The highest scoring is 18 out of 24.
Leaves a lot to be desired if the Highest is that number,shoulda' been closer to a 22-23.